By installing Daimler’s own hemi head 145 bph V8 an engine developed originally for the ill starred SP 250 sports car in its compact MK II saloon, Jaguar created the Daimler 2.5 liter V8. It was a very effective bit of niche market, creating genteel car that appealed to the slightly older buyers who were looking for something that wasn’t quite as brash as the MK II. It also gained a slightly better interior than that of the MK II, another strong selling point in its intended market. An incident benefit was gained in the handling, because, the little V8 weighed rather less than Jaguar’s XK straight six, yet was still good for well over 100 mph (160 km/h), even with the obligatory automatic transmission. The engine note held a distinct burble that simply added to the car is already extensive charm. The car was a strong seller from the start, a continued to live on in a slim bumpered form after 1967 as the Daimler 250 V8. Some of these later cars had the rare option of manual transmission, which unleashed extra performance, although it is hard to see any of the car’s intended drivers making the most of it.
The engine is very powerful of 2548cc with monocoque chassis. The ride is equipped with disc brakes with three speed automatic and four speed manual transmission. Suspension is independent in front and lives axle rear. It reached 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 13 seconds. The 250 V8 was the last MK II variant to go out of production (in 1969), and also the last Daimler to have a real Daimler engine, two additional reasons why it is remembered so fondly.
